Storm of the Heart (BothReachedForTheGun & p2mangil)

[p2mangil]

An unexpected snow storm raged in the lands of Se'phir. When all seemed lost on the long roads between towns, a dull orange glow could be seen up ahead. A lone dwelling could be seen with smoke rising from the chimney. A young Elvin man walked slowly along the road, pulling his cloak tighter around his face to protect it from the cold. His eyes catch the glow of the building and his heart lightened a bit. Perhaps they will welcome him and allow him to warm up before moving on. As he drew nearer, he noticed a small sign outside that said 'Inn & Tavern' and smiled. "Perhaps I can get a bite to eat as well." The young man walked through the door and a white fox welcomed him at the counter. It was curled up taking a nap when he walked up. The fox's ears twitched as it heard the door open. It slowly raised it's head and made a small cry towards the back of the building. Almost as if she was waiting, a lovely blond woman came through the door from the back. "Oh, Welcome. The storm is getting rather ugly out there. Oh, you poor dear please warm yourself by the fire while I fetch you something to eat." The woman gestured towards the hearth in the center of the room. "Thank You." The man smiled and nodded his head to her before walking to a table nearest to the fire. He took his cloak off and draped it over the back of the chair. The woman had rushed back with a bowl of hot stew and placed it on the table with a cup of water. "Here you go dear. Warm yourself up and call if you need anything." The man nodded his head as the woman returned to the back of the building and the fox resumed his nap.

 

[BothReachedForTheGun]

This weather was awful. No visibility, it was cold and windy, and the worst part was she couldn't use her wings. Breena had been hoping to fly most of journey. Flying would cut off days, possibly a whole week, to her trip. The snow storm that ravaged the country had quickly put a stop to her speedy travel plans. She was not too far into her trip, but turning back for her village would only make the trip delay even longer.


Bone weary and starving, Breena had almost gotten of the main road to find a tree to nestle in for the night. Just when she had prepared herself to sleep outside in the cold and eat nothing more than the half frozen vegetables in her pack, she saw the glow of a dwelling, and thought she could make out smoke from a chimney. Her spirits lifted, she trundled through the snow covered road until she reached the tavern.


Breena took note of the sign and sighed happily. Food. Her stomach gurgled in response to the thought as she caught a whiff of the kitchen working up a hearty meal. Kicking her boots against the steps to rid them of as much snow as possible, she headed into the tavern. As usual, she took in her surroundings, ready to grab at the hidden dagger in her boot if this tavern was not as welcome as it seemed. She took note of the man by the fire, and spotted the white fox. She gave the animal a smile. Deciding that, unless the tavern was hiding something besides delicious smelling food in the kitchen, it was safe to stay, Breena brushed snow off her front. Her wings rustled to shake more of the offending white powder off. Water pooled around her feet as the snow melted from the soothing warmth of the tavern.

 

[p2mangil]

The woman noticed the sound of another entering the establishment and began to pour another bowl of stew. More than likely the guest would be in need of warming up. She then walked out of the back and smiled at the newcomer. "Welcome! Make yourself at home. I went on and brought you a bowl of stew. Come dear, get yourself warmed up." The woman placed the bowl on a table next to the elvin man near the fire. "If you need anything else I'll be in the back."


The young man, Saito, raised his head as the door opened and a cold draft entered the building. A young woman walked in and he smiled a little. The dark headed fairy seemed fairly cute and its been a while since he has been around a lady. He took a couple of sips of his stew. It was actually very good and just what he needed after being out in the cold. The inn's owner directed the new girl to a table near him and gave her a bowl as well. Thinking it would be boring just to sit there in silence, Saito chose to speak to her. "Its odd to see a woman wondering around here. I dont see you are not carrying goods so I'm assuming you are not a merchant. Are you on your way to visit someone in a nearby village?"

 

[BothReachedForTheGun]

"Ah, blessings unto you," Breena murmured happily, walking after the woman and settling in front of the steaming bowl. She pulled her bow off from over her shoulder, letting it sit beside her in easy reach, so she could get more comfortable. Inhaling deeply, she moaned as the lovely smell of food in front of her. Taking the spoon in hand, Breena got a hearty bite out of the bowl. She blew on it, not wanting to ruin her appetite with a burnt tongue, and was just about to eat it when the elf across from her spoke.


She had expected little conversation at the tavern, but it seemed she was mistaken. She ate the bite of stew she had scooped out after the man had spoken to her, to give herself a bit more time to think of what to say. Not wanting to give too much information to a stranger, she merely said, "No, I'm not a merchant. I'm heading east to...visit some friends."


She gave the elf a smile and asked, "You?" Hoping to get the conversation off of herself. Though the he seemed nice, Breena was weary of speaking too much about her plan.

 

[p2mangil]

Two others walked into the building as the girl spoke. Saito had never seen them before but they seemed to be rather unsavory characters. One was a sultry woman and the other a rather rough looking brute. He kept an eye on them as they went to a couple of tables in the corner. His attention was drawn back to the girl when she asked about himself. "Oh, me?" Saito ate a bit of his stew, the warmth felt good. "I'm just your average mercenary, among other things." A mischievous smile crossed his lips for a brief moment. "I travel around helping anyone who has the coin. Pursuing my own agenda as well of course. I'm sure after this storm there will be many needing a pair of strong arms to help out with any clean up and repairs."


He watched as the owner took the two newcomers some food, watching to see if they would start any trouble. As he watched the innkeeper return to the back, he noticed the little fox had his eyes focused on the two as well, his tail no longer swishing absentmindedly as before. With the fox keeping an eye out on the two in the corner, Saito allowed his attention to be focused on the lady before him. "So, where are you coming from? I just returned from the Beastland. Was following a clue to a person of interest. Sadly it turned out to be a dead end, so I'm headed back to where the info came from to see if there is any more he could offer." Saito casually ate his stew feeling the warmth fill his body. It was actually really good and he thought to himself that he needed to remember this place so he could return if he ever came this way again.